Piedmont Macon hosts nutrition class to help cancer survivors live healthier lives

Piedmont Macon registered dietitian Marty Burnham says this class is to help prepare cancer survivors for a healthier lifestyle

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Cancer survivors in Middle Georgia got a lesson in healthy living Thursday as Piedmont Macon hosted a class focused on nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle changes after treatment.

Piedmont Macon registered dietitian Marty Burnham says this class is to help prepare cancer survivors for a healthier lifestyle.

“These individuals have been through cancer treatments and now they want to thrive. They want to live as health wise as they can; by having good nutrition and they want to be able to be knowledgeable in that and want that to be achieved,” Burnham said.

Most of the guidelines covered were about cancer prevention.

“Because 50% of the cancer prevention can be from exercising, from eating more healthy choices; like fresh fruits and veggies, less red meat, less salt, less alcohol in moderation…so that’s kind of what we covered today,” Burnham said.

Burnham says her mother and father were cancer survivors and that continues to motivate her to help others.

“I’ve been involved with it for a long time, and there are so many people and families that are affected by cancer, so if I can do my little part to help with that then I’m going to try,” she said.

Burnham shares what she wants these strong survivors to take from her session.

“Some of them have a long way to go,” she said. “They need to work on maintain their weight, and it’s hard it’s not easy, but I hope they will have a positive and know that they can do it…in little steps.”